Light detection system and method of using same

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using the device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that extends along a housing axis between top and bottom surfaces. The device can also include a port that is adapted to receive a sample, and a door connected to the housing. The door can include an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position, and a cover portion connected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 ofPCT/US2016/020548, filed Mar. 3, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/132,790, filed Mar. 13, 2015, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein.

BACKGROUND

Sampling programs are used to monitor critical raw materials, in-processmaterials, finished goods, and processing environments in the food andbeverage industry. Similar sampling programs are also used in healthcaresettings to monitor the effectiveness of decontaminating environmentalsurfaces in a patient environment as well as instruments and devicesused in screening and therapeutic procedures. Routine sampling andtesting can allow quality assurance personnel to detect undesirablematerials, such as microorganisms, at a very early stage and take stepsto prevent subsequent contamination of equipment and/or products. Avariety of tests can be performed to detect these undesirable materials.Examples of such tests include chemical residue tests (e.g., Adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence tests and protein colorimetrictests), culture methods, genetic tests (e.g., PCR), immunodiagnostictests, and bioluminescent tests.

Sample-collection devices or apparatuses are typically used to collectsurface samples for environmental tests. Commercially-availablesample-collection devices include absorbent devices such as sponges,swabs, and the like. In addition, certain sample-collection devices arecapable of collecting a predetermined volume of a liquid sample.

Because of its use as energy “currency” in all metabolizing systems, ATPcan indicate the presence of organic or bioorganic residues in a sample.The presence of ATP can be measured using a bioluminescent enzymaticassay. For example, a luciferin/luciferase enzyme assay system uses ATPto generate light. This light output can be detected and quantified in alight detection device, e.g., a luminometer. The presence of ATP in asample may be a direct indicator of the presence of a microorganism(i.e., the ATP is derived from microorganisms in a sample containing noother sources of ATP), or the ATP may be an indirect indicator of thepresence of a microorganism (i.e., the ATP is derived from vegetative oranimal matter and indicates that nutrients that support the growth ofmicroorganisms may be present in the sample). In addition, the presenceor absence of ATP in a sample is used routinely to assess the efficacyof cleaning processes, e.g., in food, beverage, healthcare (e.g.,environmental surfaces, surgical instruments, endoscopes, and othermedical devices), water, and sanitation industries.

For example, ATP measurement systems have been utilized as monitoringtools in the food industry for over 15 years to audit the efficacy ofsanitation processes. Such systems can detect very small amounts of ATP(e.g., 1 femtomole) on a variety of surfaces commonly found in foodprocessing operations that need to be cleaned and disinfected. Detectingthe presence of ATP on surfaces that are supposed to be sanitized canindicate a failure of the cleaning and disinfection process.

More recently, ATP monitoring tools have been adopted for a similarpurpose in clinical applications to monitor the cleanliness of apatient's environment. There is now compelling clinical evidence thatcontaminated surfaces in a hospital make an important contribution tothe epidemic and endemic transmission, e.g., of C. difficile, VRE, MRSA,A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa, and to the endemic transmission ofnorovirus. Effective infection prevention programs include systematicmonitoring of the environment's cleanliness. ATP monitoring, forexample, can provide a quantitative measurement system that can be usedto support such a program.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of alight detection device and a method of using such device. In one or moreembodiments, the light detection device can include a housing and a portformed in a top surface of the housing. The detection device can alsoinclude a door connected to the housing. In one or more embodiments, thedoor can include an actuator portion and a cover portion connected tothe actuator portion. The actuator portion can be adapted to selectivelymove the door between a closed position and an open position. When inthe closed position, the cover portion can be adapted to close the port.Further, when in the open position, the cover portion can be adapted toopen the port to allow external access to the port. In one or moreembodiments, the light detection device is adapted to allow a user tograsp a handle portion of the housing and, with the same hand, engagethe actuator portion to selectively move the door between the closedposition and the open position.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a light detection devicethat includes a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface,where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surfaceand the bottom surface. The housing further includes a handle portiondisposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The device alsoincludes a port formed in the top surface of the housing, where the portis adapted to receive a sample; and a door connected to the housing. Thedoor includes an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the doorbetween a closed position and an open position, and a cover portionconnected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when thedoor is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in theopen position to allow external access to the port. The light detectiondevice is adapted to allow a user to grasp the handle portion with ahand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion to selectivelymove the door between the closed position and the open position.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method thatincludes grasping a handle portion of a housing of a light detectiondevice, where the light detection device further includes a top surface,a bottom surface, and a port formed in the top surface, where the handleportion is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. Themethod further includes engaging an actuator portion of a door connectedto the housing to move the door from a closed position to an openposition, where the door further includes a cover portion connected tothe actuator portion that is adapted to close the port when the door isin the closed position and to open the port when the door is in the openposition to allow external access to the port. The method furtherincludes disposing a sample within the housing through the port, andengaging the actuator portion of the door to move the door from the openposition to the closed position.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a light detectiondevice that includes a housing including a top surface and a bottomsurface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the topsurface and the bottom surface; a port formed in the top surface of thehousing, wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample; and a doorconnected to the housing. The door includes a first end and a secondend; an actuator portion adjacent the first end adapted to selectivelymove the door between a closed position and an open position; and acover portion adjacent the second end connected to the actuator portionand adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed positionand open the port when the door is in the open position to allowexternal access to the port. The actuator is adapted to rotate the doorabout a rotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the housingaxis. And the rotation axis is disposed between the first end and thesecond end of the door.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader andshould not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows theheading, unless so specified.

The term “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limitingmeaning where these terms appear in the description and claims. Suchterms will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step orelement or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any otherstep or element or group of steps or elements.

The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of thedisclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certaincircumstances; however, other embodiments may also be preferred, underthe same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one ormore preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are notuseful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scopeof the disclosure.

In this application, terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intendedto refer to only a singular entity but include the general class ofwhich a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a,”“an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.”

The phrases “at least one of” and “comprises at least one of” followedby a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combinationof two or more items in the list.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual senseincluding “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Theuse of the term “and/or” in certain portions of this disclosure is notintended to mean that the use of “or” in other portions cannot mean“and/or.”

The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or acombination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about”refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expectedby the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level ofcare commensurate with the objective of the measurement and theprecision of the measuring equipment used. Herein, “up to” a number(e.g., up to 50) includes the number (e.g., 50).

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints includeall numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent fromthe detailed description below. In no event, however, should the abovesummaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter,which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may beamended during prosecution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appendeddrawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of one embodiment of alight detection device including a door that is disposed in a closedposition.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the light detectiondevice of FIG. 1 with the door of the device disposed in the closedposition.

FIG. 3 is a schematic right-side view of the light detection device ofFIG. 1 with the door of the device disposed in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the light detection device of FIG. 1 withthe door of the device disposed in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front perspective view of the light detectiondevice of FIG. 1 when the door of the device is disposed in an openposition.

FIG. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of the light detectiondevice of FIG. 1 with the door of the device disposed in the openposition.

FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of a portion of the light detectiondevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the light detection device of FIG. 1grasped by a hand of a user and the door of the device disposed in theclosed position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic left-side view of the light detection device ofFIG. 1 grasped by the hand of the user and the door of the devicedisposed in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic rear perspective view of another embodiment of alight detection device including a support member that is disposed in anopen position.

FIG. 11 is a schematic left-side view of the light detection device ofFIG. 10 with the support member disposed in a closed position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic left-side view of the light detection device ofFIG. 10 disposed on a working surface and the support member disposed inthe open position.

FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the lightdetection device of FIG. 10 with the support member disposed in theclosed position.

FIG. 14 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the lightdetection device of FIG. 10 with the support member disposed in the openposition.

FIG. 15 is a schematic left-side view of another embodiment of a lightdetection device including a support member disposed in a closedposition.

FIG. 16 is a schematic rear perspective view of the light detectiondevice of FIG. 15 with the support member disposed in the closedposition.

FIG. 17 is a schematic left-side view of the light detection device ofFIG. 15 with the support member disposed in an open position.

FIG. 18 is a graph of relative light units (RLUs) versus time as relatedto tilt angle for several supply apparatuses disposed at various tiltangles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of alight detection device and a method of using such device. In one or moreembodiments, the light detection device can include a housing and a portformed in a top surface of the housing. The detection device can alsoinclude a door connected to the housing. In one or more embodiments, thedoor can include an actuator portion and a cover portion connected tothe actuator portion. The actuator portion can be adapted to selectivelymove the door between a closed position and an open position. When inthe closed position, the cover portion can be adapted to close the port.Further, when in the open position, the cover portion can be adapted toopen the port to allow external access to the port. In one or moreembodiments, the light detection device is adapted to allow a user tograsp a handle portion of the housing with a hand and, with the samehand, engage the actuator portion to selectively move the door betweenthe closed position and the open position with the hand.

The light detection devices described herein can include any suitabledevice, e.g., luminometers, photometers (UV/visible), turbidimeters,colorimeters, fluorometers (e.g., portable devices that use lightdetection for environmental surface and water sampling, including bothbiological (microbial) testing and chemical content testing), etc. Inone or more embodiments, a light detection device can include a lightsource (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes), a sample chamber, alight detector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode, etc.),and in some embodiments an optical system (including, e.g., one or morereflectors, filters, or lenses) to direct the light. In one or moreembodiments, a test sample can emit light that is detected by a detectorof the light detection device. Devices that detect light from a sampleor detect the interaction of light with a sample can include one or moreelements that block ambient light from interacting with the detector ofthe device, e.g., doors, gaskets, opaque housings, etc.

The light detection device can be utilized in any suitable application.For example, in one or more embodiments, the light detection device canbe utilized to detect and measure light emitted by a sample disposedwithin the device. The sample can include any suitable sample, e.g., abioluminescent sample. In one or more embodiments, the light detectiondevice can detect the presence of ATP in a bioluminescent sample byanalyzing light emitted by the sample that is produced by aluciferin-luciferase enzymatic reaction.

The accuracy and repeatability of currently available ATP detectionsystems can vary significantly. Such variability can be caused bydifficulties in acquiring samples in a repeatable manner. Further,systems that employ a luciferin-luciferase detection chemistry can varybecause of the lack of repeatability of how the reagent composition isformulated and the form factor employed to provide the reagents in anassay. In addition, the optical characteristics of the detection systemcan affect accuracy and repeatability. For example, some detectionsystems utilize a photomultiplier tube as the detector whereas othersystems employ photodiodes. These detection systems can include a portthat is connected to a detector disposed within a housing of the system.A sample can be disposed within the housing through the port. Theseports, however, can allow ambient light to be transmitted into thedetector, which can hinder accurate readings and potentially damage thedetector. Some systems may include a door or cap that covers the port toprevent ambient light from being transmitted into the detector. Thesesystems, however, may be awkward to operate as they may require one handto grasp the system and the other to open and close the door that coversthe port.

FIGS. 1-9 are various views of one embodiment of a light detectiondevice 10. The light detection device 10 can include any suitable lightdetection device, e.g., a luminometer. In one or more embodiments, thedevice 10 can be part of a light detection system that can also includea sampling apparatus (not shown) that can be disposed within the device10 and contain a sample. Any suitable sampling apparatus can beutilized, e.g., the sampling apparatuses described in PCT PatentPublication No. WO 2014/007846 and U.S. Patent Publication No.2012/0329081.

The device 10 can include a housing 12 that can take any suitable shapeor combination of shapes. In one or more embodiments, the housing 12 cantake an ergonomic shape or combination of shapes that allows a user tograsp the housing and operate the device 10 with a single hand. Further,the housing 12 can be a single, unitary housing or can include two ormore pieces, sections, or portions that are attached together using anysuitable technique or combination of techniques. The housing 12 canextend along a housing axis 4 between a top surface 14 and a bottomsurface 16. The housing 12 can also include an optional handle portion18 disposed between the top surface 14 and the bottom surface 16. Thehandle portion 18 can include any suitable shape or combination ofshapes. The housing 12 can also include a front surface 13 that extendsbetween the top surface 14 and the bottom surface 16, and a back surface15 that also extends between the top surface and the bottom surface.

The housing 12 can also include a port 20 disposed in the top surface 14of the housing (FIGS. 5-7 and 9). Although illustrated as being disposedin the top surface 14, the port 20 can be disposed in any suitablesurface of the housing 12, e.g., in the bottom surface 16, front surface13, or back surface 15 of the housing. The port 20 can be adapted toallow a user to dispose a sample within the housing 12 such that lightemitted by or interacting with the sample can be detected by a detector(not shown) disposed within the housing. The detector can be anysuitable detector, e.g., the detectors described in cofiled U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/132,774, filed Mar. 13, 2015. Inone or more embodiments, the port 20 can be connected to the detectorsuch that a sample can be disposed within the housing through the portand positioned within the housing such that the detector can measure oneor more characteristics of the sample. For example, if the sampleincludes a photoluminescent sample, then the detector can be utilized tomeasure, e.g., an intensity of light emitted by the photoluminescentsample.

The port 20 can be adapted to receive a sample. The sample can bedisposed within the housing 20 in any suitable manner. For example, inone or more embodiments, the sample can be directly disposed within thehousing through the port 20. In one or more embodiments, the sample canbe contained within a sampling apparatus that is adapted to be disposedwithin the housing by being inserted into the port 20. The port 20 cantake any suitable shape or combination of shapes. In one or moreembodiments, the port 20 can be adapted to receive a sampling apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the port 20 can be connected to a receptacle(not shown) that is disposed within the housing 12. The receptacle canbe adapted to receive a sampling apparatus and position the apparatuswithin the housing such that the detector can measure one or morecharacteristics of a sample disposed within the sampling apparatus. Anysuitable receptacle can be utilized, e.g., one or more of thereceptacles described in cofiled U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/132,774, filed Mar. 13, 2015.

The light detection device 10 can also include one or more controls 22that are adapted to provide an interface for the user to perform variousfunctions with the device 12. Any suitable control or controls 22 can beprovided with the device 10. Further, in one or more embodiments, thecontrols 22 can be disposed in any suitable location on or in thehousing 12. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, thecontrols 22 are disposed on or in a front surface 13 of the housing 12such that a user can grasp the handle portion 18 of the housing 12 andoperate the controls with a thumb or finger of the grasping hand. Suchpositioning of the controls 22 can allow operation of the device 10 witha single hand. The controls 22 can provide an interface for a user andcan be electrically coupled to any suitable circuitry disposed withinthe housing 12 of the device 10. Such circuitry can include any suitableelectronic device or devices, e.g., one or more controllers, processors,storage devices, power converters, analog/digital converters, GPScomponents, wireless antennas and receivers, etc. The circuitry can beelectrically coupled to any suitable power source or sources, e.g.,batteries, external power sources, etc. The circuitry can be connectedto any suitable external device or power source through, e.g., one ormore additional ports 26 disposed on or in the housing in any suitablelocation.

The device 10 can also include a display 24 that is adapted to provide auser with an interface with the circuitry disposed within the housing 12of the device. The display 24 can be in any suitable location on or inthe housing 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the display 24is disposed in the front surface 13 of the housing. The display 24 caninclude any suitable display. In one or more embodiments, the display 24can be a touch-sensitive display that can provide the user with controlof the device and can also display information to the user. Any suitabletouch sensitive display 24 can be utilized with device 10.

The light detection device 10 can also include a door 30. The door 30can be connected to the housing 12 of the device 10 using any suitabletechnique or combination of techniques. The door 30 can include anysuitable material or combination of materials. In one or moreembodiments, the door 30 includes the same material or combination ofmaterials as the housing 12 of the device 10. Further, the door 30 cantake any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitabledimensions.

In one or more embodiments, the door 30 can include an actuator portion32 and a cover portion 34 connected to the actuator portion. In one ormore embodiments, the actuator portion 32 can be integral with the coverportion 34, or the actuator portion and the cover portion can beseparate elements that are connected using any suitable technique orcombination of techniques. For example, in one or more embodiments, theactuator portion 32 and the cover portion 34 can be connected by a hinge(e.g., hinge 36 of FIG. 7).

The door 30 can be adapted such that it can be disposed in a closedposition or an open position. For example, FIGS. 1-4 and 8 are variousviews of the device 10 when the door 30 is disposed in a closed position6. Further, for example, FIGS. 5-6 and 9 are various views of the device10 when the door is disposed in an open position 8. The door 30 can bedisposed in the closed position 6 or the open position 8 using anysuitable technique or combination of techniques. For example, in one ormore embodiments, the actuator portion 32 is adapted to selectively movethe door 30 between the closed position 6 and the open position 8.Further, in one or more embodiments, the cover portion 34 of door 30 isadapted to close the port 20 when the door is in the closed position 6and open the port when the door is in the open position 8. When in theopen position 8, the cover portion 34 can allow external access to theport 20.

The door 30 can be connected to the housing 12 of device 10 using anysuitable technique or combination of techniques. For example, in one ormore embodiments, the door 30 can be attached to the housing 12 by ahinge 36 as shown in FIG. 7. The hinge 36 can be any suitable hinge. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the hinge 36 includes aprotuberance 37 that is adapted to be disposed within an opening 11formed in the housing 12. The door 30 can include any suitable number ofprotuberances 37 such that the hinge 36 attaches the door to the housing12. In one or more embodiments, the hinge 36 can be attached to thehousing 12 by inserting the protuberance 37 into the opening 11 disposedin one or both of two sections 60, 62 of the housing 12. The sections60, 62 of the housing 12 can be secured together by screws 44 that areinserted through openings 45. The hinge 36 can be disposed in anysuitable location on or in the housing 12 and in any suitableorientation relative to the housing axis 4.

Further, in one or more embodiments, a spring 38 can be disposed betweenthe door 30 and the housing 12. Any suitable spring can be utilized. Thespring 38 is adapted to allow the door 30 to pivot between the closedposition 6 and the open position 8. In one or more embodiments, the door30 can be biased in either the closed position 6 or the open position 8.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the spring 38 biases the door30 in the closed position 6 such that the port 20 is closed to theexternal environment. By biasing the door 30 in the closed position 6,the cover portion 34 can protect the port 20 and prevent ambient lightor other environmental elements (e.g., moisture) from entering theinterior of the housing 12 through the port. When in the closed position6, the cover portion 34 can also prevent ambient light from entering adetector disposed within the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion 32 of the door 30 isadapted to rotate the door about a rotation axis 5 as shown in FIG. 6.The rotation axis 5 can be oriented in any suitable relationship to thehousing axis 4. For example, in one or more embodiments, the rotationaxis 5 can be substantially orthogonal to the housing axis 4 as shown inFIG. 6. As used herein, the phrase “substantially orthogonal” means thatthe rotation axis 5 is disposed such that an angle of between 85° to 95°is formed with the housing axis 4. In one or more embodiments, therotation axis 5 can be aligned with the hinge 36 (FIG. 7).

The actuator portion 32 of door 30 is adapted to selectively move thedoor from the closed position 6 to the open position 8. Further, theactuator portion 32 can take any suitable shape or combination ofshapes. In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion 32 can take acurved shape such that it is adapted to receive a finger of a hand of auser. Further, in one or more embodiments, the actuator portion 32 caninclude a textured surface 33 such that the user can more easily engagethe actuator portion to place the door either in the closed position 6or the open position 8.

The actuator portion 32 can be disposed in any suitable relationshiprelative to the housing 12. In one or more embodiments, the actuatorportion 32 can be disposed adjacent the handle portion 18 of the housing12. As used herein, the phrase “adjacent the handle portion” means thatthe actuator portion 32 is disposed closer to the handle portion 18 thanto either the top surface 14 or the bottom surface 16 of the housing 12.The actuator portion 32 can be disposed adjacent the handle portion 18such that the user can grasp the handle portion and engage the actuatorportion with a single hand. In other words, the light detection device10 can be adapted to allow a user to grasp the handle portion 18 with ahand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion 32 toselectively move the door 30 between the closed position 6 and the openposition 8.

Connected to the actuator portion 32 is the cover portion 34. In one ormore embodiments, the cover portion 34 is adapted to close the port 20when the door 30 is in the closed position 6 and open the port when thedoor is in the open position 8 to allow external access to the port. Inone or more embodiments, the cover portion 34 of the door 30 is adaptedto minimize the amount of ambient light entering the port 20 when thedoor is in the closed position 6. In one or more embodiments, the door30 is adapted to prevent substantially all ambient light from enteringthe port 20 when the door is in the closed position 6. In one or moreembodiments, the door 30 is adapted to block a sufficient amount ofambient light from entering the housing 12 such that the ability todetect and measure a light signal associated with the sample is notcompromised.

The cover portion 34 can be disposed in any suitable relationshiprelative to the housing 12. In one or more embodiments, the coverportion 34 is disposed such that it forms a portion of the top surface14 of the housing 12. In one or more embodiments, the cover portion 34can be level or flush with the top surface 14 of the housing 12 when thedoor 30 is in the closed position 6.

In one or more embodiments, the port 20 can include a ledge 40 that isadapted to engage the cover portion 34 when the door 30 is in the closedposition 6. The ledge 40 can take any suitable shape or combination ofshapes. Further, the ledge 40 can be disposed along an entire perimeterof the port 20 or along any suitable portion of the perimeter of theport. The combination of the cover portion 34 and ledge 40 can preventambient light from entering the port 20 when the door 30 is in theclosed position 6.

In one or more embodiments, the port 20 can also include a gasket (notshown) that is disposed between the cover portion 34 and the ledge 40.The gasket can extend along any suitable portion of the ledge 40 of theport 20. In one or more embodiments, the gasket extends along the entireledge 40. The gasket, ledge 40, and the cover portion 34 can combine toprevent ambient light from entering the port 20. Further, in one or moreembodiments, the gasket can also provide a seal between the coverportion 34 and the ledge 40 to prevent external environmental elementsfrom entering the port 20, e.g., moisture. Further, one or more of thegasket, ledge 40, and cover portion 34 can prevent a sample disposedwithin the housing 12 from undesirably leaking out of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the port 20 can also include an overhang(not shown) that covers any space between the top surface 14 and thecover portion 32 when the door 30 is in the closed position 6. Theoverhang can take any suitable shape and be located in any suitablelocation. In one or more embodiments, the overhang can be connected tothe top surface 14 and/or the cover portion 34.

The door 30 can also include a first end 35 and a second end 39 (FIG.7). In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion 32 is adjacent thefirst end 35 and the cover portion 34 is adjacent the second end 39. Asused herein, the phrase “adjacent the first end” means that the actuatorportion 32 is disposed closer to the first end 35 of the door 30 than tothe second end 39 of the door. Similarly, the phrase “adjacent thesecond end” means that the cover portion 34 is disposed closer to thesecond end 39 of the door than to the first end 35.

As mentioned herein, the rotation axis 5 can be disposed at any suitablelocation relative to the door 30. In one or more embodiments, therotation axis 5 can be disposed between the first end 35 and the secondend 39 of the door 30. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis 5is disposed at approximately a midpoint between the first end 35 and thesecond end 39 of the door 30. As used herein, the term “approximately”means that the rotation axis 5 is disposed within 1 cm of the midpointbetween the first end 35 and the second end 39 of the door 30. In one ormore embodiments, the rotation axis 5 is disposed closer to the firstend 35 of the door 30 than to the second end 39. Further, in one or moreembodiments, the rotation axis 5 is disposed closer to the second end 39of the door 30 than to the first end 35.

In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis 5 is disposed closer tothe midpoint between the first and second ends 35, 39 of the door 30than to either the first end or the second end of the door. In one ormore embodiments, the rotation axis 5 is disposed about halfway betweenthe midpoint located between the first and second ends 35, 39 of thedoor 30 and the first end. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis5 is disposed about halfway between the midpoint located between thefirst and second ends 35, 39 of the door 30 and the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion 32 can be defined as aportion of the door 30 disposed between the rotation axis 5 and thefirst end 35. Further, in one or more embodiments, the cover portion 34of the door 30 can be defined as a portion of the door disposed betweenthe rotation axis 5 and the second end 39 of the door. The actuatorportion 32 can include any suitable portion of door 30, e.g., no greaterthan about 90%, no greater than about 80%, no greater than about 70%, nogreater than about 60%, no greater than about 50%, etc. In one or moreembodiments, the actuator portion 32 can be at least about 5%, at leastabout 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%,at least about 50% of the door 30. Further, the cover portion 34 of door30 can include any suitable portion of the door, e.g., no greater thanabout 90%, no greater than about 80%, no greater than about 70%, nogreater than about 60%, no greater than about 50%, etc. In one or moreembodiments, the door portion 34 can be at least about 5%, at leastabout 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%,at least about 50% of the door 30.

The light detection device 10 can also include a switch (not shown) thatis coupled to the door 30 and adapted to activate circuitry and/or adetector disposed within the housing (not shown) when the door isdisposed in the closed position 6. Any suitable switch or combination ofswitches can be utilized. Further, in one or more embodiments, theswitch can deactivate circuitry and/or a detector disposed within thehousing 12 when the door 30 is disposed in the open position 8 toprevent ambient light from damaging the detector. The switch can bedisposed in any suitable position relative to the door 30. In one ormore embodiments, the switch can be positioned between the actuatorportion 32 and the housing 12.

As mentioned herein, the door 30 can be disposed in any suitablelocation relative to the housing 12. In one or more embodiments, thedoor 30 is disposed such that the actuator portion 32 is adjacent theback surface 15 of the housing. As used herein, the phrase “adjacent theback surface” means that the actuator portion 32 is disposed closer tothe back surface 15 of housing 12 than to the front surface 13. In oneor more embodiments, the back surface 15 of the housing 12 can include arecessed portion 17 that is adapted to receive the door 30 asillustrated in FIG. 7. In one or more embodiments, the door 30 can sitwithin the recessed portion 17 of the back surface 15 such that an outersurface of the door is level or flush with the adjacent back surface.

In one or more embodiments, the door can be disposed on a side surfaceof the housing 12 between the front surface 13 and the back surface 15.Further, in one or more embodiments, the door 30 can be disposed on thefront surface 13 of the housing 12 adjacent the display 24 such that auser can engage the actuator portion 32 of the door with the thumb ofthe grasping hand. In such embodiments, the door 30 can include anopening or openings such that the user can access the controls 22 andview the display 24 through the door. In one or more embodiments, thedoor 30 can be disposed on the front surface 13 of the housing 12 oneither side of the display 24 such that the user can access the controls22 and view the display 24.

The back surface 15 can also include a finger receiving region 28adjacent the actuator portion 32 of the door 30 (FIG. 6). As usedherein, the phrase “adjacent the actuator portion” means that the fingerreceiving region 28 of the housing 12 is disposed closer to the actuatorportion 32 than to the cover portion 34 of door 30. The finger receivingregion 28 is adapted to receive one or more fingers of a user's handwhen the user grips the handle portion 18 of the light detection device10. The finger receiving region 28 is shaped such that a finger of auser can engage the actuator portion 32 of the door 30 and engage theactuator portion to move the cover portion 34 between the closedposition 6 and the open position 8. In one or more embodiments, when theactuator portion 32 is engaged such that the door 30 is moved to theopen position 8, the finger receiving region 28 accommodates a finger ofa user to allow the finger to hold the actuator portion against therecessed portion 17 of the back surface 15 of the housing 12. In one ormore embodiments, the finger receiving region 28 takes a shape that iscomplementary with the shape of the actuator portion 32 when theactuator portion is engaged and the door 30 is in the open position 8 asillustrated in FIG. 6.

The light detection device 10 can be utilized in any suitable manner tomeasure one or more characteristics of a sample disposed within thehousing 12 of the device. For example, FIGS. 8-9 illustrate onetechnique for utilizing the device 10. As illustrated, a hand 50 of theuser is shown in FIG. 8 grasping the handle portion 18 of the device 10.The hand 50 can engage the actuator portion 32 of the door 30 to movethe door between the closed position 6 (FIG. 8) and the open position 8(FIG. 9). When in the open position 8, the cover portion 34 opens theport 20 to allow external access to the port. In one or moreembodiments, the user can engage the actuator portion 32 of the door 30by pressing the actuator portion with a finger or thumb 54 of the hand50 that is grasping the handle portion 18 of the housing 12. Engagingthe actuator portion 32 can cause the door 30 to rotate about therotation axis 5 to the open position 8. In one or more embodiments wherethe door 30 is biased in the closed position 6, pressing the actuatorportion 32 of the door 30 opens the door, i.e., places the door in theopen position 8.

When the door 30 is in the open position 8 as shown in FIG. 9, a sampleor a sampling apparatus can be disposed within the housing 12 throughthe port 20, e.g., into a receptacle disposed within the housing. Whilethe sample is being disposed within the housing 12, the finger or thumb54 of the hand 50 of the user can maintain a force on the actuatorportion 32 of the door 30 to keep the door in the open position 8.

In one or more embodiments, a latch (not shown) can be attached to thehousing 12. The latch can be adapted to hold the door 30 in the openposition 8 such that the user's finger can be disengaged from theactuator portion without the door returning to the closed position 6.Any suitable latch can be utilized. In embodiments where a latch isincluded, the door 30 can be moved from the open position 8 to theclosed position 6 by engaging the actuator portion 32 of the door byapplying a force to the actuator portion in a direction toward theinterior of the housing 12, thereby releasing the door from the latch.Once the latch is released, the biasing of the door 30 will return thedoor to the closed position 6 when the user reduces the force applied tothe actuator portion 32. In one or more embodiments, the user can movethe door 30 from the open position 8 to the closed position 6 byreleasing the actuator portion 32 such that the biasing of the doorreturns the door to the closed position 6 and the cover portion 34 ofthe door closes the port 20 of the housing 12.

In one or more embodiments, the device 10 can include a switch thatactivates circuitry disposed within the housing when the sample isdisposed within the housing and the door is in the closed position 6.The circuitry can be activated by the switch using any suitabletechnique or combination of techniques. One or more characteristics ofthe sample can be measured after the door 30 has been moved from theopen position 8 to the closed position 6. Any suitable characteristic orcharacteristics of the sample can be measured, e.g., intensity of lightemitted by the sample.

In one or more embodiments, the detection device 10 can also include atilt detection component (not shown) that can, in one or moreembodiments, measure a tilt angle of the detection device 10. As usedherein, the term “tilt angle” means an angle formed between the housingaxis 4 and a vertical axis. As used herein, the term “vertical axis”refers to an axis that is aligned with the Earth's gravitational field.The tilt detection component can provide feedback to a user when thedevice 10 is positioned within a proper tilt angle and/or when thedevice is positioned at an improper tilt angle. Such feedback can beprovided to the user using any suitable technique or combination oftechniques, e.g., the feedback can be provided as a readout on thedisplay 24, or the device 10 can be adapted to provide haptic feedbackto the user. For example, during detection of light emitted by a sample,the user can be warned by an on-screen message on display 24, or thedevice 10 can provide haptic feedback, when the instrument is not beingheld at the correct tilt angle and/or when the instrument is being heldat the correct tilt angle. On-screen instructions can be provided to theuser to reorient the device 10 such that it is positioned within thecorrect tilt angle. The tilt detection component can be utilized toindicate to a user any suitable tilt angle or range of tilt angles. Inone or more embodiments, a desirable tilt angle can be determined, e.g.,by the quantity of a sample disposed within the housing, and by theoptical properties and configurations of the detector within thehousing. In general, the tilt angle can be selected to provide the mostaccurate detection of one or more characteristics of a sample disposedwithin the housing.

The tilt detection component can include any suitable circuitry orelements that can determine an orientation of the device 10 relative tothe vertical axis. For example, in one or more embodiments, the tiltangle can be measured by a tilt sensor that is sampled by amicroprocessor disposed either within the housing 12 of the device 10 orexternal to the housing 10 and coupled to the tilt sensor eitherwirelessly or through a wired coupling. Data provided by the tilt sensorcan be averaged or normalized to yield a stable approximation of thetilt angle of the device 10 prior to or during analysis of the sample.The tilt detection component can be calibrated to have any suitableaccuracy. For example, in one or more embodiments, the tilt detectioncomponent can be calibrated such that it provides, e.g., a 20% tiltangle measurement accuracy.

A calibrated 3M Clean-Trace™ NG Luminometer (commercially available from3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.) was used to measure light in relative lightunits (RLUs) emitted by several bioluminescence samples disposed inseveral different sampling apparatuses. The Luminometer was fixtured ina holder for stability and repeatability of tilt angles during the test.The following tilt angles were measured: 0 degrees (vertical), 45degrees (a commonly observed viewing angle used by users to maximizedisplay contrast), and 90 degrees (simulates the Luminometer restinghorizontally on a work surface). These three states were cycled throughtwo times and return to vertical. A plurality of RLU readings wasautomatically acquired in each angle state to average out temporalvariation and assay decay. The Luminometer was controlled by a computerrunning an RLU data logging program with a sample interval of 20seconds.

FIG. 18 is a graph of RLUs versus time that illustrates RLUs relative tovarious tilt angles that were measured. Tilt angles of 45 degreestypically reduced RLU readings by 10%. Tilt angles of 90 degreestypically reduced RLU readings by 25%.

While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, measuring asample with an instrument not held at the appropriate angle can yield ameasured value difference greater than 20% relative to the real valuebecause the sample being measured can typically be a small volume (lessthan 1 mL) liquid sample disposed in a cuvette portion of the samplingapparatus, where the sample can have an appreciable meniscus. When thedevice is held in an improper angle, at least a portion of the samplecan be disposed outside of a light cavity of the detection device of thesystem that directs light to a detector, thereby reducing a volume ofthe sample that can emit light into the light cavity and, therefore,potentially yielding an erroneous signal. This tilt can, therefore,affect the radiance of the sample being analyzed.

In one or more embodiments, the tilt detection component can also beutilized to measure customer usage behaviors and abuse events that canbe useful in predicting desired service intervals or provide trainingand guidance. Further, one or more embodiments of the tilt detectioncomponent can provide real-time mathematical normalization of RLU databased on measured tilt angle. This algorithm may be constrained topractical tilt angle limits. For example, measured angles greater than90 degrees would prompt an immediate warning and suppress anormalization algorithm. In one or more embodiments, providing a userfeedback on the tilt angle can allow the user to maintain the same tiltangle across multiple samples, thereby allowing for more consistentreadings from sample to sample and from sampling period to samplingperiod.

Any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be utilized tomaintain the light detection device 10 in a position having a desiredtilt angle. For example, in one or more embodiments, a support member ormembers can be connected to the housing of the device such that thedevice can be placed on a working surface at the desired tilt angle.

For example, FIGS. 10-14 are various views of one embodiment of a lightdetection device 110. All of the design considerations and possibilitiesregarding the light detection device 10 of FIGS. 1-9 apply equally tothe light detection device 110 of FIGS. 10-14. The light detectiondevice 110 includes a housing 112 that extends along a housing axis 104between a top surface 114 and a bottom surface 116. The housing 112 alsoincludes a front surface 113 that extends between the top surface 114and the bottom surface 116, and a back surface 115 that also extendsbetween the top surface and the bottom surface.

One difference between light detection device 110 and device 10 of FIGS.1-9 is that device 110 includes a support member 160. Support member 160can be connected to the housing 112 in any suitable location and usingany suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or moreembodiments, the support member 160 is integral with the housing 112. Inone or more embodiments, the support member 160 is attached to thehousing 112 and can be removed from the housing without damaging eitherthe housing or the support member.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, the support member 160 isconnected to the housing 112 adjacent the bottom surface 116. As usedherein, the phrase “adjacent the bottom surface” means that the supportmember 160 is connected to the housing 112 closer to the bottom surface116 than to the top surface 114. The support member 160 can be connectedto the housing 112 using any suitable technique or combination oftechniques. For example, FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of thebottom surface 116 of the housing 112. The support member 160 in theillustrated embodiment is attached to the bottom surface 116 via a hinge170. The hinge 170 can include any suitable hinge. In one or moreembodiments, the hinge 170 can be a living hinge. Further, in one ormore embodiments, the hinge 170 can be a ratcheted hinge that includesteeth 171 formed in the bottom surface 116 of the housing 112 thatengage one or more notches 173 formed in the hinge. The ratcheted hinge170 can be adapted to allow adjustment of the positioning of the supportmember 160.

In one or more embodiments, the support member 160 can be adapted toselectively move from a closed position 106 to an open position 108. Forexample, in FIG. 13, the support member 160 is in a closed position 106,i.e., a second major surface 164 (shown in FIG. 14) faces the bottomsurface 116 of the housing 112. In FIG. 14, the support member 160 isdisposed in the open position 108, i.e., the second major surface 164 ofthe support member does not face the bottom surface 116 of the housing112. In one or more embodiments, the support member 160 can be fixed inthe open position 108 and is not movable to a closed position 106.

The support member 160 can be adapted to maintain the light detectiondevice 110 in an upright position when the bottom surface 116 and thesupport member are in contact with a working surface 102 and the supportmember is in the open position 108 as is shown in FIG. 12. As usedherein, the phrase “upright position” means that the light detectiondevice 10 is disposed such that the top surface 114 is above the bottomsurface 116 as viewed from the user's perspective, and the housing axis104 forms an angle with a vertical axis that is less than 90°. In one ormore embodiments, the housing axis 104 forms any suitable angle with theworking surface 102 when the light detection device 110 is in theupright position and in contact with the working surface 102. At least aportion of the second major surface 164 of the support member 160 isadapted to contact the working surface 102 when in the open position 108as shown in FIG. 12. Further, any suitable angle 101 can be formedbetween the housing axis 104 and the vertical axis 103. In one or moreembodiments, angle 101 can be 0°, at least 0°, no greater than 90°, nogreater than 45°, no greater than 30°, no greater than 15°.

In one or more embodiments, the bottom surface 116 can be adapted suchthat it is generally perpendicular to the housing axis 104. In suchembodiments, the device 110 can rest on the working surface 102 suchthat the bottom surface 116 is flat with the working surface and thedevice is in a vertical position, i.e., the housing axis 104 is parallelto the vertical axis 103.

The bottom surface 116 can include a recessed portion 117 that isadapted to receive the support member 160 when the member is in theclosed position 106 as is illustrated in FIG. 13. In one or moreembodiments, the support member 160 is flush with the bottom surface 116when the member is disposed within the recessed portion 117 and,therefore, in the closed position 106. In one or more embodiments, therecessed portion 117 of the bottom surface 116 of the housing 112 isadapted to engage the support member 160 in a snap-fit relationship whenthe support member is in the closed position 106. The support member 160can be attached to the bottom surface 160 using any suitable hinge suchthat the support member can be received by a recessed portion formed inboth of the front and back surfaces 113, 115.

The bottom surface 116 can also include a second recessed portion 172that is adapted to house the hinge 170 such that the support member 160is flush with the bottom surface 116 when in the closed position 106(FIG. 13). The hinge 170 can be disposed in the second recessed portion172. The second recessed portion 172 can also include a ledge 174 thatis adapted to engage the support member 160 when the support member isin the open position 108 (FIG. 14). The ledge 174 can prevent thesupport member 160 from being over rotated such that the first majorsurface 162 contacts the back surface 115 of the housing 112.

The user can engage the support member 160 by engaging a portion of themember when the member is in the closed position 106, and moving themember from the closed position to the open position 108 by rotating themember about the hinge 170 until the member engages the ledge 174 of therecessed portion 172. In embodiments where the hinge 170 is a ratchetedhinge, the user can rotate the support member 160 from the closedposition 106 to the open position 108 to achieve a selected anglebetween the first major surface 162 of the support member and thehousing axis 104. Once the desired angle has been selected, the user canoperate the device 110 while either holding the device in a hand orresting the device on the working surface 102 such that the device restsin an upright position at the selected angle 101 between the housingaxis 104 and the vertical axis 103. If desired, the user can, in one ormore embodiments, grasp the device 110 and lift it from the workingsurface 102 to adjust the angle between the first major surface 162 ofthe support member 160 and the housing axis 104, and then place thedevice on the working surface at a selected second angle between thehousing axis 104 and the vertical axis 103.

In one or more embodiments, the support member 160 can be held in theclosed position 106 using a tab or other interference feature. Thesupport member 160 can then be released from the closed position 106 andmoved to the open position 108 either manually or by using a button orswitch to move the tab or interference feature out of the way. In one ormore embodiments, the support member 160 can move from the closedposition 106 to the open position 108 with the assistance of a springmechanism.

As mentioned herein, the support member 160 can be connected to thehousing 112 of the light detection device 110 in any suitable location.For example, FIGS. 15-17 are various views of another embodiment of alight detection device 210. All of the design considerations andpossibilities regarding the light detection device 10 of FIGS. 1-9 andthe light detection device 110 of FIGS. 10-14 apply equally to the lightdetection device 210 of FIGS. 15-17. The device 210 includes a housing212 extending along a housing axis 204 between a top surface 214 and abottom surface 216. The device 210 also includes a support member 260connected to the housing 212 and adapted to be selectively moved betweena closed position 206 (as shown in FIGS. 15-16) and an open position 208(as shown in FIG. 17). The support member 260 is also adapted tomaintain the light detection device 210 in an upright position when thebottom surface 216 and the support member 260 are in contact with aworking surface 202 and the support member is in the open position 208(FIG. 17). The housing axis 204 can form any suitable angle 201 with avertical axis 203 when the bottom surface 216 and the support member 260are in contact with the working surface 202 and the support member is inthe open position 208.

One difference between device 110 of FIGS. 10-14 and device 210 of FIGS.15-17 is that the support member 260 is attached to a back surface 215of the housing 212 and not the bottom surface 216. In one or moreembodiments, the support member 260 can be in contact with the backsurface 215 of the housing when the support member is in the closedposition 206 as shown in FIGS. 15-16. In the closed position 206, afirst major surface 262 of the support member 260 can face away from thehousing 212 and a second major surface 264 can face the housing. Theback surface 215 can include a recessed portion (not shown) that isadapted to receive the support member 260 when the support member is inthe closed position 206 (see FIG. 16). In one or more embodiments, thesupport member 260 can be snap-fit into the recessed portion such thatthe support member remains in the closed position 206 as the user holdsthe device in various orientations. For example, the support member 260can be snap-fit within the recessed portion such that the support memberremains in the closed position 206 when the device is in a horizontalorientation, i.e., the housing axis 204 is substantially parallel to ahorizontal axis. In one or more embodiments, the support member 260 canbe flush with the back surface 215 when the support member is in theclosed position 206.

The support member 260 can be connected to the housing 212 using anysuitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or moreembodiments, the support member 260 can be attached to the housing withany suitable hinge. The hinge can also include a ratcheted hinge, e.g.,ratcheted hinge 170 of FIGS. 13-14.

A user can grasp a portion of the support member 260 and move thesupport member from the closed position 206 to the open position 208 byrotating the support member about the hinge until a desired angle isformed between the first major surface 262 of the support member and thehousing axis 204. The user can place the light detection unit 210 on theworking surface 202 such that the support member 260 maintains thedevice in an upright position when the bottom surface 216 of the deviceand the support member are in contact with the working surface. Anysuitable angle 201 can be formed between the housing axis 204 and thevertical axis 203. In one or more embodiments, the support member 260can stabilize the light detection device 210 when the device is restingon the working surface 202.

In one or more embodiments, the support member 260 can be held in theclosed position 206 using a tab or other interference feature. Thesupport member 260 can then be released from the closed position 206 tothe open position 208 either manually or by using a button or switch tomove the tab or interference feature out of the way. In one or moreembodiments, the support member 260 can move from the closed position206 to the open position 208 with the assistance of a spring mechanism.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except tothe extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Illustrativeembodiments of this disclosure are discussed and reference has been madeto possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These andother variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of thedisclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is notlimited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light detection device, comprising: a housingcomprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the housingextends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottomsurface, wherein the housing further comprises a handle portion disposedbetween the top surface and the bottom surface; a port formed in the topsurface of the housing, wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample;and a door connected to the housing, the door comprising: an actuatorportion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed positionand an open position; and a cover portion connected to the actuatorportion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closedposition and open the port when the door is in the open position toallow external access to the port; wherein the light detection device isadapted to allow a user to grasp the handle portion with a hand and,with the same hand, engage the actuator portion to selectively move thedoor between the closed position and the open position.
 2. The lightdetection device of claim 1, wherein the door is connected to thehousing by a hinge, wherein the actuator portion is adapted toselectively move the door by rotating the door between the closedposition and the open position.
 3. The light detection device of claim2, wherein the actuator portion is adapted to rotate the door about arotation axis that is substantially orthogonal to the housing axis. 4.The light detection device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises arecessed portion adapted to receive the door.
 5. The light detectiondevice of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is flush with the topsurface of the housing when the door is in the closed position.
 6. Thelight detection device of claim 1, wherein the door is biased in theclosed position.
 7. The light detection device of claim 6, furthercomprising a spring disposed between the door and the housing that isadapted to bias the door in the closed position.
 8. The light detectiondevice of claim 1, further comprising a latch attached to the housingand adapted to hold the door in the open position, wherein the latch isfurther adapted to release the door when the user engages the actuatorportion to move the door from the open position to the closed position.9. The light detection device of claim 1, wherein the actuator portioncomprises a textured surface.
 10. The light detection device of claim 1,wherein the cover portion of the door is adapted to prevent ambientlight from entering the port when the door is in the closed position.11. The light detection device of claim 1, wherein the housing furthercomprises a ledge that surrounds at least a portion of the port, whereinthe cover portion of the door is adapted to engage the ledge when thedoor is in the closed position; and wherein the housing furthercomprises a gasket disposed along at least a portion of the ledge,wherein the gasket is adapted to prevent moisture and ambient light fromentering the port.
 12. The light detection device of claim 1, furthercomprising a switch that is coupled to the door and adapted to activatecircuitry disposed within the housing when the door is in the closedposition.
 13. The light detection device of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a finger receiving region adjacent the actuator portion of thedoor, wherein the finger receiving region is adapted to receive one ormore fingers of a user's hand when the user grasps the handle portion ofthe light detection device.
 14. The light detection device of claim 1,wherein the top surface of the housing comprises an overhang adapted tocover any space between the top surface and the cover portion of thedoor when the door is in the closed position.
 15. A method, comprising:grasping a handle portion of a housing of a light detection device,wherein the light detection device further comprises a top surface, abottom surface, and a port formed in the top surface, wherein the handleportion is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface;engaging an actuator portion of a door connected to the housing to movethe door from a closed position to an open position, wherein the doorfurther comprises a cover portion connected to the actuator portion thatis adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position andto open the port when the door is in the open position to allow externalaccess to the port; disposing a sample within the housing through theport; and engaging the actuator portion of the door to move the doorfrom the open position to the closed position.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising activating circuitry disposed within the housingwhen the sample is disposed within the housing and the door is in theclosed position.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging theactuator portion of the door to move the door from the open position tothe closed position comprises releasing the actuator portion of the doorto move the door from the open position to the closed position.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the door is connected to the housing by ahinge, wherein the actuator portion is adapted to selectively move thedoor by rotating the door between the closed position and the openposition.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the actuator portion isadapted to rotate the door about a rotation axis that is substantiallyorthogonal to the housing axis.
 20. A light detection device,comprising: a housing comprising a top surface and a bottom surface,wherein the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surfaceand the bottom surface; a port formed in the top surface of the housing,wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample; and a door connected tothe housing, the door comprising: a first end and a second end; anactuator portion adjacent the first end adapted to selectively move thedoor between a closed position and an open position; and a cover portionadjacent the second end and connected to the actuator portion, whereinthe cover portion is adapted to close the port when the door is in theclosed position and open the port when the door is in the open positionto allow external access to the port; wherein the actuator is adapted torotate the door about a rotation axis that is substantially orthogonalto the housing axis, and wherein the rotation axis is disposed betweenthe first end and the second end of the door.